Donnan's Rose, page 15
"You can't deny it; you're madly in love with that woman," Rory said as he picked up a bottle of brandy that had been placed next to him. He poured two snifters half full and handed one to Donnan.
"Aye, I am." He turned to his brother, accepting the brandy. "Now we need to find you a wife. You need your duchess, Rory. It's past time."
"I know," he replied as he sat down. "Perhaps now I can."
"This ball may be exactly what you need to find a suitable duchess."
"This ball is for taking mother's mind off Kent and Tavish."
"Aye, but knowing our mother and Rosalind, I'd be willing to bet there will be a few marriageable lasses at the ball as well. Just for you."
"Perhaps Mack as well if he's returned by then."
"I'm sure there will be more than enough lasses to choose from."
Rory sipped his brandy thoughtfully. "We'll leave that to Rosalind and Mother. I have no doubt your wife will convince Mother to put her trip to Paris aside until later. What we need to focus on is the distillery. We should go there first thing in the morning."
"Aye. I think it might be time to taste some of the oldest."
"I'm not worried about the oldest, Donnan. It's what's been made in the past year, perhaps two, that concerns me most."
"What about this year?"
"Some has been placed in casks. Once all the problems began, I had things shut down."
Donnan sat forward in his chair, picking up his brandy. "Then that's where we start."
"I hope you're up to this, Donnan. I know I didn't give you much of a choice in the matter."
"Whiskey is our biggest source of income. I could never stand by and watch something that's been in the family for generations disappear. All because a couple of our brothers thought more of themselves than the greater good."
Rory smiled. "Your attitude certainly has changed."
"My priorities changed. I didn't have a wife."
"Aye, and you also didn't have a couple of brothers in the thick of thieves in the middle of things they shouldn't have been involved in."
"It's all in the past. We need to move forward. To the future of the MacLeods. One day Tavish and Kent will perhaps return," Donnan said.
"Which is all the more reason I need a wife. The thought of them being heirs to the dukedom and perhaps clan is unimaginable. I need a wife and heir."
Donnan lifted his snifter. "To finding a fertile wife for you, brother."
"To the future."
Rory knew his choices weren't the greatest. Not like London. Or even Edinburgh. Both were far away. The only one on Skye was the MacDonald lass. The only one he'd consider, and that might be opening a long ago can of worms. Or could everyone put their differences aside after all these years?
* * *
Rosalind paused at the closed door leading to her mother-in-law's chambers. She'd been in the suite of rooms only once in her life. Lady Edana MacLeod had invited her for a private tea one rainy winter afternoon shortly after she'd come to live at Castle MacLeod. The dowager duchess had been warm and inviting that day. She knew what it was like to be a lone woman living among these men. Not that she was; however, having only one daughter of her own and six sons didn't give her a lot of female company on this isle.
Lady Edana looked up from her writing desk. "Ah, Rosalind. What have my sons sent you for?"
"Rory believes a ball is in order to celebrate Donnan's and my marriage. He wants you and me to plan it."
She motioned for Rosalind to sit on one of several nearby chairs. "I see. Plan a ball rather than a trip to the continent."
"Yes."
The dowager duchess smiled at her daughter-in-law. "So you've aligned yourself with my sons."
"Rory is right. Going to Paris now would take Donnan and him away from important matters like the distillery. Autumn will be a far better time to travel."
"Then I believe we'll need to start planning. We'll need to set a date and decide who to invite. I know of several families who come from London for the summer. One or two even have eligible daughters."
"Perhaps one or two will catch Rory's fancy."
"Yes, it is far past time my eldest son take a wife and produce an heir."
"It is. He realizes the fact."
"I would like for him to find someone he can be as happy with as you and Donnan are."
"Rory deserves no less."
They sat there for the next hour discussing potential guests and the perfect food for guests. Edana may have been a Sassenach by birth, but she'd spent her adult life on Skye as the wife of a Scottish duke and clan laird. She was beloved by all. A MacLeod affair was one no one slighted.
"Why don't we meet after breakfast?" Edana finally said. "We can get more done. The invitations will be ready to go out by the end of the day tomorrow."
"I look forward to it," Rosalind said.
She rose, kissed her mother-in-law's cheek, and walked out of her suite. She'd accomplished what Donnan and Rory wanted, talking Edana out of going to Paris. At least for right now. For the next several weeks at least, menus, guest lists, and new gowns would be her world.
Winding back through the hallways to the grand staircase, Rosalind smiled to herself. A year ago, she would have never imagined herself married to Donnan. It would have happened eventually, she was sure. She hoped as much as Edana did that Rory would find someone he would be happy with for the rest of his life. Not a forced match.
She found the two men in the drawing room in front of the hearth drinking brandy and talking quietly between themselves. Donnan's eyes beamed when he saw her near.
"Did you have success? Has our mother conceded her trip to Paris?" Rory asked, already knowing the answer. He knew if anyone could change Edana's mind it would be Rosalind.
"Yes. She's agreed to wait until autumn. We'll begin planning for the ball in the morning. Be prepared, for your mother has grand plans, Rory."
"Excellent job, wife," Donnan crowed.
"She's going to make this ball into something no one will soon forget. Beware, Rory, her main focus is going to be finding you the best lass for your wife."
"If it keeps her busy, I'll suffer through it."
Rosalind sat down on the settee in front of the fire. Donnan brought her a glass of brandy. Rory cocked an eyebrow. Proper ladies normally did not drink brandy. Then Rosalind wasn't a normal, proper young woman. His brother had exposed her to far more than most women saw in their lifetimes.
"She may be extravagant. She wants it to be a grand affair. A ball fit for a duke."
"Aye. I'd expect no less from my mother. Keep an eye on what she plans for me, Rosalind. Should you feel she's getting too extravagant, let me know."
"I don't think there'll be any stopping her. She's determined. We're to meet after breakfast and begin working on the guest list and invitations. There's no time to send them to a printer. Her guest list will be broad."
"Good. As long as she's thinking of something other than her other sons and Paris, the battle has been won."
Rosalind smiled from over the top of her snifter. "I hope you'll remember that when you find yourself among a dozen or so eligible young ladies all wishing to become your duchess, Rory."
"It's past time I took a wife, Rosalind. I believe I can make it through one evening of matchmaking."
"Who knows? Maybe you'll find your bride among these women. Penelope MacDonald perhaps?" Donnan threw his head back and laughed.
"She'll be one of many invited. Your mother mentioned a few families here from London for the summer," Rosalind said.
"We'll have to wait and see now, won't we?" Rory said as he stared into the fire and polished off his brandy. Indeed, he needed a wife, and he'd have to see if his mother was inviting truly potential candidates or if she was going to have some fun to get him since he'd thwarted her journey to Paris. He couldn't have her going. Besides the fact he and Donnan needed not to go at the moment, Kent and Tavish needed to settle themselves in their new home without the interference of family. Most especially Lady Edana MacLeod.
"Everything will work out as it should," he said to no one in particular.
"You need to choose a wife for more than the future of the dukedom or clan, Rory. Perhaps you'll be as lucky as Rosalind and me."
"I pray you're right brother. I pray you're right."
Chapter 20
In the midst of all their planning for the ball of the summer, Edana called for only the finest dressmaker in Scotland to the castle. Madame Bourgeois. She and her twin sister were quite well known as two of the finest dressmakers in Paris. However, Madame Marie Bourgeois followed her Scottish husband back to Edinburgh, where he died unexpectedly. She remained in Edinburgh, opening her own shop, using the finest fabrics directly from Paris.
Her work was known throughout Britain. Women came all the way from London to Edinburgh in the summer to have their gowns and other items made. Luckily for Edana, the French dressmaker had always made time for her. Her late husband, it seemed, had been a MacLeod of the eastern highlands near Edinburgh. The mother of a duke was always welcome.
"How did I not hear about her when Donnan and I were in Edinburgh?" Rosalind asked as the two women went to the suite of rooms Edana had set the dressmaker up in. They were on their way for a final fitting of their gowns.
"Madame Bourgeois keeps a tight knit list of clients. One must be referred to her."
"That makes sense."
The gown Madame Bourgeois had made for Rosalind was an original design. A daring emerald green gown made of a floating lightweight silk, where Edana's gown was a heavy, heavy silk. More suited for a dowager duchess. Rosalind's gown barely covered her bosom, and it clung softly to her legs. What would Donnan think of his wife in such a bold gown? Knowing her handsome husband, she had no doubt he would be proud. That and he would allow no man near her that evening. She grinned at the thought. Though he might be a proud, handsome highlander, Donnan MacLeod was fiercely jealous of any man who eyed his bride.
"You're sure it's not too much?" she asked her mother-in-law and the modiste.
"It is gorgeous, Rosalind. Quite progressive for these parts. You and I shall be the toast of the ball."
"Oui, you look breathtaking, Lady Rosalind. You look like a goddess. I can only imagine your husband will be very proud to have you on his arm." The dressmaker stood to one side of the room and admired her work.
"It is exquisite," Rosalind replied.
"Though the ball serves two purposes, it is first and foremost a ball celebrating you and Donnan. You should look like a queen," Edana said.
"Well, it is unlike anything I've ever worn before. I do love it."
"Then accept it and the other pieces as my gift to you."
"Oh, Lady Edana I couldn't possibly..."
"You can, and you will. I insist."
"Thank you."
"No need. You are like a daughter to me, Rosalind."
Rosalind glanced at the older woman. "You have not heard from Lily?"
Lily, the only daughter of the late duke and Lady Edana had decided to spend some time with Lady Beatrice Frasier, a newly married childhood friend. The couple's new home was located outside of Inverness, where her husband raised some of the finest cattle in Scotland.
"No. Not that I expected to. Another of my children who needs to marry." She sighed.
"I'm sure she will. Give her time. Focus on Rory. He's in far more need of a partner than Lily."
"I know you are right. I just want the best for all my children."
"And they shall all have it. Now I believe we need to change out of these gowns and see about the deliveries I saw a short time ago."
Edana nodded. "Yes, there is still much to do."
"Shall I have everything else sent to your chambers, Lady Rosalind?" the modiste asked as she urged her two seamstresses to help Rosalind and the dowager duchess out of the ball gowns.
"Yes."
"The rest of your dresses will need a final fitting if you could make some time for me, say tomorrow?"
"Yes, would first thing in the morning work?"
"Of course. I promise both of you will be the finest, most beautiful women at the ball."
Edana smiled as she smoothed down her day dress. "I have never had any doubts, Madame Bourgeois. You have a gift for fashion." She gazed at Rosalind. "Shall we check on the progress in the kitchens?"
Rosalind rubbed her hands together. She knew Mrs. Macintyre had been busy the past week overseeing the beginning of the feast that would be fed their guests. The only item the head cook would not let Rosalind see was the wedding cake she was personally making for her and Donnan. Her specialty. No, she was told by Mrs. Macintyre, she would see the finished cake the moment her husband did. Perhaps she could sneak a peek.
"Yes, indeed, let's see what progress is being made. I would like to know whether the lemon trees will be ready for the ballroom or if we'll have to go with our alternative of roses."
The castle didn't have a formal ballroom. Instead, two drawing rooms were opened up into one large room. Doorways were opened up so dancing could be enjoyed in one and conversations in the other. Gone were the days of opening up the great hall to all for a celebration.
They began their trek to the kitchen, which was quite a long walk. The kitchens were now more centrally located in the back of the main wing of the castle. Kitchen gardens could now be found closer to the door, rather than having to be in another building or hike to the garden. The late duke had been progressive, but not like his son and heir. Rory firmly believed in the new, modern ways and spent much time consulting with others in how to make his ideas into reality.
As they were headed down the last hall to the kitchens, Donnan appeared from behind a set of doors. The library. Rory and Donnan's father had moved it some years ago out of the drafty room it had been housed in for generations.
"I trust the fitting with your dressmaker went satisfactorily."
"Yes. Rosalind and I were just on our way to the kitchens to see how things are progressing."
Donnan grinned. "Do you think it would be possible to steal my wife away for a couple of hours this afternoon, Mother? 'Tis a fine day, and I haven't seen much of my bride since the two of you began preparing for this ball."
She looked from her son then to his bride. "Of course. You must go out and enjoy some fresh air. I can handle things this afternoon, Rosalind."
"You're sure?" Rosalind asked.
"Yes. There is nothing I can't see to on my own."
"Thank you, Mother. I'll have her back in a few hours."
* * *
"You think you're so smart. Whisking me away while I should be helping your mother," Rosalind said as they walked through the hallways of the castle.
Donnan held on to her hand tighter. "Aye, I do."
"So what are we going to do?"
They neared the massive oak front door, which was quickly opened by a footman as they approached. "We're going for a ride."
Approaching their two horses standing saddled and waiting on them, Rosalind grinned. "Our usual?"
"Oh, no, I have something much better planned for us."
"What?"
"You'll have to wait and find out," Donnan said. He swung his leg over his huge beast of a horse after helping his wife mount.
"Not fair, Donnan."
He urged the animal on as he passed his wife. "Don't be so impatient, and try to keep up."
Donnan knew Rosalind loved a good challenge, especially on horseback. Today, he had something special to show her. He hoped it was somewhere they could keep for themselves.
As his stallion galloped on, he noted Rosalind not too far behind him. Good, she was not going to be bested by him. Looking at the path they were following, he knew he was getting closer. He slowed down to a walk.
"You're only going in the opposite direction from which we normally go, Donnan. What's so special about this?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
They kept walking in silence until they came to a fork in the wooded area. He headed down the narrow path. Rosalind would have to follow behind him. He knew she'd have no problem as he'd personally been out here to make sure everything was in place for this ride.
In a small clearing stood a very small cottage. It was old and had probably been there for generations. Abandoned, it had once been home for a clan member. The cottage had also been where he and Rosalind would spend hours talking and laughing when they were younger. It had become theirs. He'd gone in and had it cleaned and repaired. He intended the cottage to be somewhere they could get away from his family. If he had to live this close to them, he would have somewhere private he could spend time with his wife. Somewhere long forgotten by others.
He saw Rosalind's eyes light up as they neared the cottage.
"What have you done?"
"I had it repaired and cleaned up. It's ours again."
She quickly dismounted her mare as she looked at the outside of the small structure. "You did this for us?"
"Aye. I wanted somewhere I could take you where we wouldn't have to worry about someone knocking on our door. Somewhere private. This seemed like the perfect spot. Do you like it?"
Rosalind grinned. "Oh, yes!"
Donnan dismounted his stallion and took the reins of Rosalind's mount. He tied them off before returning to his wife. "Should you like to go inside and see?"
She took his hand and smiled up at him. "Yes. Show me what you've done."
"It's not much, but it's ours. At least for as long as we can keep it secret."
"Even if Rory were to find us out, I doubt he'd disturb us. He knows he's asked a lot of you by asking you to return to help him."
"That's what I'm counting on," Donnan said, smiling at her as he put his hand on the door knob.
He opened the door, and they stepped into the cottage. Inside was a fireplace with a hearth. A stack of firewood was neatly piled nearby. Gone was the smoke covered walls, the floor which had gone untouched by brooms in years. Donnan had had the walls whitewashed, the floors completely cleaned and repaired. He'd had furniture brought out of the castle attics. Things unused in years. Most importantly, there was a bed for the two of them. He intended to make good use of it, too.
